Bill Cleveland Bowers

Bill Cleveland Bowers, age 84, of Claxton, passed away on Oct. 3, 2012, at his residence.

Bill Cleveland Bowers, age 84, of Claxton, passed away on Oct. 3, 2012, at his residence.

Bill was born in Minneapolis, N.C. on Feb. 18, 1928. He grew up around the coal mining area of Superior, W.Va. Bill served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander during the Korean War. He graduated from East Tennessee State University with a degree in accounting. Bill married the former Rita Smith of Minneapolis, N.C. on May 29, 1954.

Bill worked at the Department of Energy at Oak Ridge as an accountant and contract negotiator for 30 years, then at Analysas Corp. in Oak Ridge for an additional eight years. Although Bill had always enjoyed his career, he also enjoyed his retirement, traveling with his wife on group excursions all over the country, tinkering with his prized vintage Buick Riviera, following UT football, and just spending quiet time at his home reflecting on the deeper issues of life.

He was an active member and former officer of the Claxton Optimist Club, and a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and was affiliated with Edgemoor Baptist Church.

Bill Bowers was an exemplary husband, daddy, father-in-law, granddaddy, neighbor, and mentor. He was preceded in death by parents, Laura and William Bowers, and brothers, Gerald Bowers and Ray Bowers. He is survived by beloved wife of 58 years, Rita Smith Bowers; cherished daughter Caroline (Steve) Brown of Lebanon, Tenn.; and his only and “favorite granddaughter,” Erin Turner Brown, of Nashville, Tenn.

The family will be receiving friends Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012 at Edgemoor Baptist Church, 330 Old Emory Road, Claxton, Tenn., from 5 to 7 p.m. with Memorial Service to follow immediately thereafter. Internment will be the following day at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Johnson City, Tenn. Family, friends, and former employees will serve as honorary pallbearers.